PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-670
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 670
SEPTEMBER 2008
48
PS 670
SEP 08
49
PS 670
SEP 08
Dear Half-Mast,
How often are M40- and M42-series masks supposed to be tested with
PATS and where is that spelled out?
SSG T.B.
Dear Editor,
Most mechanics don’t realize that torque wrenches are calibrated by
TMDE only in the clockwise direction. What makes that a problem is that
some of the larger vehicles like the M939s and M977s require some
wheel lugs to be torqued counterclockwise. As a result, the lugs may not
be torqued correctly because the torque wrench may not give the correct
reading. Disaster could follow.
Please make mechanics aware of this.
SFC David Leach
Vilseck, Germany
Dear Sergeant T.B.,
Generally for all the CBRN protective masks the PATS test needs to be done
annually. This is spelled out on Page 2-39 in the M40’s TM 3-4240-346-20&P.
Your commander, of course, can ask for testing more often if he thinks the mission
dictates the need.
But any time there are parts replaced on a mask or major adjustments made
to the mask, you should do a PATS test just to make sure everything is OK.
Examples are:
•
changing canister from right to left or visa versa
•
side voicemitter replaced or re-seated
•
head harness replaced or drastically readjusted
•
outlet valve cover and disk replaced
•
internal drink tube nipple replaced
If a soldier loses or gains 10 or more pounds, the mask Ft should also
be tested with PATS.
If you ever have doubts about a mask, do a PATS test.
No point in taking chances.
Editor’s note:
You bet we will, Sergeant.
Units that must torque counterclockwise with their torque wrenches should ask
their TMDE folks to calibrate their wrenches both clockwise and counterclockwise.
When they’re Fnished calibrating, TMDE will stick a red band with CW/CCW on the
wrench showing that it has been calibrated in both directions. If a wrench doesn’t
have a red band on it, don’t trust it for counterclockwise torqueing.
If you have any questions about special calibration, contact TMDE’s George ±ox
at (256) 955-0025, DSN 645-0025, or email:
george.s.fox
@conus.army.mil
CW/CCW CW/CCW CW/CCW
Dealing
with
Counter-
clockwise
Torque
M40-, M42-Series Masks…
How Often
Should Masks Be Tested?
Tools…
Check for red tape to make sure your torque wrench
has been calibrated for counterclockwise torqueing
it’s no use doing
a counterclock-
wise torque on
these lugs.
I’m not
calibrated
for that.
I just
switched
your outlet
valve.
I wonder if I
should do a
pats test on
you now.
gee,
I just
had that
test last
month.
I thought
I was
good for
a year?
no, any time
you make major
changes to the
mask you need
to repeat the
pats test.
670.48-49.indd
1-2
7/31/08
3:51:50 PM
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